Transfers

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Original Editors - Naomi O'Reilly

Top Contributors - Naomi O'Reilly and Jess Bell      

Introduction

A transfer can be viewed as the safe movement of a person from one place or surface to another and an opportunity to train an individual to enhance independent function. In both cases, the clinici an must choose the most efficient and safest method.

Controlling a patient’s movement while moving them from one position or surface to another or preventing a patient from falling requires that the clinician be close to the patient’s center of motion (COM), which is typically located between the shoulders and the pelvis. When these control points are used, patient transfers are more efficient, and patient safety is enhanced. The most efficient way to enhance the patient’s movement (unless they are completely dependent) is to encourage movement of the body’s distal component—the part of the body farthest from the trunk. For example, when assisting a patient to stand from a seated position, a common verbal cue is to ask the patient to lean their trunk forward. It is also important to have the patient look in the direction of the transfer’s destination to encourage correct head-turning.

Factors Affecting Transfers

Patient Factors

Physical Status	Communication	Cognition	Medical Status	Emotional Status
Weight	Speech	Memory	Diagnosis	Resistive
Height	Hearing	Judgement	Devices	Unpredicible
ROM	Vision	Concentration	Pain	Unco-operative
Strength	Understanding	Decision Making	Medicaion	Depression
Balance	Language	Impulsivity	Fatigue	Agression
Coordination	Culture	Ability Follow Instructions	Time of Day	Confused
Tone				Agitated
Sensation
Skin Integrity
Body Awareness
Depth Perception

Level of Support

Dependant

Patient unable to assist and does not actively participate in the transfer. The clinician performs all aspects of the transfer.

Assisted

Patient actively participates but requires assistance.

Independent

Performs all aspects of the transfer including set up in a safe manner and without assistance.

Level of Assistance

Stand By Assistance

Close Guard Assistance

Contact Guard Assistance

Minimal Assist

Moderate Assist

Maximum Assist

Equipment

Sliding Sheets

Transfer Belts

Transfer Boards

Hoist

Principles of Transfers

Clinical Significance

Resources

References